Over 700 pilgrims joined one of the biggest gatherings of the diocesan family at the Marian shrine at Hednesford in Staffordshire. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the pilgrimage, which runs annually in response to Our Lady’s invitation to come in procession.

Every year since 1969, pilgrims from across the diocese have come to the shrine in Hednesford to honour Our Lady of Lourdes. The pilgrimage offers a special insight into the care and community that pilgrims share with one another and is a great opportunity to meet old friends.

On the Saturday night before the pilgrimage, young people joined the Kenelm Youth Trust in a vigil before supporting the main event on Sunday.

On Sunday confessions were heard, with private devotions and the stations of the cross before pilgrims took part in praying the rosary and hymns followed by Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard. The mass also included the Sacrament of the Sick and the blessing of a new ramp to give access to the Shrine for disabled pilgrims and a bench given in memory of loved ones by the McDonald family.

This year the pilgrimage choir was joined by choirs from the Congolese and Zimbabwean Communities.

The Jumbulance used by the Across Trust to take disabled pilgrims to Lourdes also made an appearance enabling pilgrims to view its facilities and learn more of the work of the Trust.

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